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Gulf LNG set to be the biggest in PNG

November 23, 2014, 1:54 pm
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THE Elk-Antelope gas field in Gulf Province will be developed into the biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Papua New Guinea, its developers say.

The US$20 billion (K50 billion) project will take at least five years to build with construction due to start within 14 months and the first LNG export due in late 2020 or early 2021.

The Elk-Antelope LNG project will be bigger by cost and production output, surpassing the current PNG LNG project cost value and gas output with an estimated 9.9 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas.

It will be operated by the State preferred operator, France’s energy giant Total SA partnering with InterOil Corporation and the National Petroleum Company of PNG (NPC) as the State nominee.

The project partners, in a press conference with the Minister for Petroleum and Energy Nixon Duban last Thursday at project site, disclosed that the project is eyeing two LNG trains.

InterOil chief executive Dr Michael Hession and Total managing director Philippe Blanchard told reporters that the they are focused and committed to delivering PNG’s second LNG project which would be bigger than the current PNG LNG Project which has a blown out cost around K50 billion.

"This is a major US$15 billion to US$20 billion project. We are looking at going into FEED (front end engineering design) next year and looking at possibly early works to commence as soon as possible.

"We want to deliver this project cost effectively," Dr Hession said.

Mr Blanchard added, "we are happy Total has joined the project. We will get this project move forward."

"Total had invested substantial resources and effort and we are committed and working towards the FEED and final investment decision (FID)," the Total executive said.

"We are very much focused on delivering a two-train LNG project in PNG." PNG Today/Post Courier
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Air Niugini eyes expansion to Melanesian Spearshead Group nations

November 23, 2014, 2:03 pm
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AIR Niugini Limited is looking at expanding its services to the Pacific, especially to the member countries of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) in 2015.

This was revealed by Air Niugini’s chairman Sir Frederick Reiher while presenting a cheque for K100,000 as the airline’s sponsorship towards the staging of the 2nd Melanesian Spearhead Group Trade and Investment Road-show and Fair.

To witness the presentation was Minister for Trade Commerce and Industry, Richard Maru, Air Niugini’s chief executive officer, Simon Foo, and board director, Ian Tarutia. Sir Federick told Mr Maru that staging of the event is very timely as it comes at a time when the company is expanding its services and reach.

"We are looking forward to the delivery of a Fokker 70 aircraft in the new year which will help Air Niugini to initially expand its services to Fiji, Vanuatu and other Melanesian countries in the future," he said.

Sir Frederick, on behalf of the national Government, the owner of Air Niugini, and the board and management, said he was delighted to confirm their strong support towards this initiative. "I understand the event will be staged in Port Moresby on November 28 and 29 and is considered a major initiative to promote PNG businesses and to facilitate trade and investment between MSG member countries.

"Air Niugini is proud to be associated with this event and to be making this contribution," he said.

Mr Maru in receiving the sponsorship commended the company on behalf of the Government. He said the support is indicative of the airlines strong and continued interest in the MSG region.

"I know Air Niugini is currently operating in the Solomon Islands and Fiji, your contribution to this event will greatly help your plans in expanding to other MSG member countries," he said.
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Suicide bomber 'kills 45' at Afghan match

November 23, 2014, 2:13 pm
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A suicide bomber has killed at least 45 people at a volleyball tournament in eastern Afghanistan, officials say.

A spokesman for the governor of Paktika province told the BBC that the attacker had detonated the bomb amid a crowd of people gathering for a game.

About 60 people were also wounded in the bombing in Yahyakhail district.

It came after Afghan MPs approved security deals allowing Nato and US soldiers to remain after the withdrawal of most foreign troops next month.

The total number of soldiers in the new Nato force will be about 12,000. Their mission has been defined as training, advising and assisting the Afghan security forces.

Jump media playerMedia player helpOut of media player. Press enter to return or tab to continue.
Richard Galpin in Kabul: "It is one of the worst incidents so far this year"
There will also be a separate US-led force dealing with the remnants of al-Qaeda.

It emerged on Saturday, however, that President Barack Obama has approved guidelines to allow US troops to fight the Taliban and provide air support for Afghan missions. BBC News
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PNG Barramundis qualify for ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier

November 23, 2014, 6:53 pm
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Pre-tournament favourites, Papua New Guinea, are champions of East Asia-Pacific and are through to the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2015 in Scotland and Ireland, after a convincing win in their final match of the 2014 ICC EAP Trophy against Vanuatu today.

In other games to wrap up the Twenty20 component of the tournament, Japan had a close win over the Cook Islands, whilst Fiji and Samoa defeated the Philippines and Indonesia respectively.

Vanuatu won the toss at Oakes Oval, electing to bat, but their luck ended there thanks to a near perfect bowling and fielding display from PNG.  Vanuatu opener Jonathon Dunn made an early statement for his team, with a huge six in the first over, only to be dismissed the following ball thanks to a ripping caught and bowled from Willie Gavera.

The news didn’t improve for Vanuatu, and when Lega Siaka took what was undoubtedly the catch of the tournament to dismiss Simpson Obed, Vanuatu was in trouble at 4-40 in the 12th over.  The lower order rallied with Joshua Rasu clearing the rope twice, however by the conclusion of their 20 overs Vanuatu were 9-96.

It was always going to be a tough assignment for Vanuatu to defend their total, and PNG openers Siaka and Tony Ura didn’t shy away from their big-hitting form shown previously throughout the tournament. Ura struck a six of the opening ball and the pair raced to 50 runs before Ura was dismissed in the 5th over.  Nalin Nipiko was the standout for Vanuatu in the field, with involvement in all three of the PNG scalps, but it wasn’t enough, with PNG easily surpassing Vanuatu’s total in 12 overs, to claim a seven-wicket victory.

At the conclusion of the match, PNG captain Christopher Amini, said his team was obviously ecstatic with the win.

“That’s what we were here to do.  We were a bit patchy early on (in the tournament) but we came back strongly and stuck to our game plan and showed the level that we want to be.”

PNG coach, Dipak Patel, added that he was thrilled with the way his team worked well together as a unit.

“From a coaching perspective we’ve put some systems and processes in place, but when they execute a game plan as well and as clinical as they were today, it leaves you speechless.”

Other matches on the final day of play in the ICC EAP Men’s Trophy included the battle to remain in the hunt for re-entry into World Cricket League Division 6 between the Cook Islands and Japan at Heaps Oval.

Batting first Japan posted a total that was easily their best outing with the bat in Lismore so far, finishing 4-160 after 20 overs. The standout was a superb knock of 72 off 59 from captain Amigo Kobayashi.

In reply the Cooks fought hard, but when Toala Teinaki was run out for 70 their luck ran out, falling an agonizing 20 runs short of the winning total.

Over at Mortimer Oval, Fiji won the toss and chose to bat first against the Philippines.  Another strong start by the opening pair of captain Joe Rika and Jikoi Kida Vanualevu saw Fiji rocket to 67 runs in six overs, before Vimal Kumar dismissed Kida.  The Philippines stemmed the flow of runs by taking some middle order wickets, but Fiji still managed to post a big total of 5-174 after 20 overs.

In reply the Philippines weren’t shy to have a crack at reaching the competitive target, with openers Manoj Gohal and Milan Singh regularly finding the boundary.  They couldn’t find enough gaps in Fiji’s performance in the field however, finishing 59 runs shy of the winning target.

The final match of the day was a one-sided affair between Indonesia and Samoa at Blair Oval.  Batting first Indonesia withstood the Samoan bowling and batted out the innings, finishing nine wickets down for 80 runs after 20 overs.

Indonesia claimed the scalp of Samoan danger man Sean Cotter early, but otherwise Samoa were on cruise control with the bat, hitting the winning runs after 9.3 overs, for the loss of just three wickets.
Excluding PNG and Vanuatu, the top four teams will now play-off in a mini 50-over tournament to decide who will qualify to represent the EAP region in World Cricket League Division 6.

Tuesday’s matches – 10am:
Fiji v Japan
Oakes Oval

Samoa v Philippines
Heaps Oval

Scores in Brief:
At Oakes Oval: Vanuatu v PNG
Vanuatu 9-96, 20 overs (J Rasu 34; W Gavera 3-16, N Vanua 2-16)
PNG 3-97, 12 overs (V Vagi Morea 24*, T Ura 24; N Nipiko 2-5)
PNG won by 7 wickets
Man of the Match: Willie Gavera (PNG)

At Heaps Oval: Cook Islands v Japan
Japan 4-160, 20 overs (M Kobayasha 72, T Ota 37*)
Cook Islands 9-141, 20 overs (TT Teinaki 70, P Zekaria 26; C Rodrigo 4-21, M Taniyama 2-10)
Japan won by 19 runs
Man of the Match: Chula Rodrigo (Japan)

At Mortimer Oval: Philippines v Fiji
Fiji 5-174, 20 overs (J Rika 47, M Gauna 39*; V Kumar 3-32)
Philippines 5-116, 20 overs (M Biddappa 34*, H Ahuja 29*; V Manakitoga 2-18)
Fiji won by 58 runs
Man of the Match: Joe Rika (Fiji)

At Blair Oval: Indonesia v Samoa
Indonesia 9-89, 20 overs (RT Rubbi 46; T Alatasi 3-19, F Vaaetasi 2-14)
Samoa 3-90, 9.5 overs (B Mailata 30, UT Kaisala 24*; M Sharfuddin 2-53)
Samoa won by 7 wickets
Man of the Match: Rizky Tri Rubbi (Indonesia)

Source: http://www.icc-cricket.com/
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Respect the Uniform?

November 24, 2014, 3:24 am
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An image of  PNG Defence Force Women drinking in full uniform has gone viral on Social Media. Hundreds of commenters took on  social media to condemn the actions of the  ladies for drinking while in full uniform.
One of the female commenter on social media said.
I am very ashamed of this photo..what happened to discipline and professionalism.. this primitive attitude needs to go ... PNG people! where are we heading to now... This picture speaks a thousand words about the state of our country, so sad. This bitches should be fired immediately.

Another commenter said, Where is the respect in the uniform ? Shouldn't the uniform alone be enough to command respect from those who are wearing it ? Battlion celebration or not, do you think it is a good look to go social media crazy with pictures of you wearing the uniform with substance in your hand ?

Another commenter posted, The way I see, she is not respecting the PNGDF uniform. She literally abusing and mocking with the uniform. Nobody is stopping you from drinking but you must drink at the right place at the right time wearing civilian clothes. This is in fact painting bad image to the outside world. Not only that, the worst of all is that uploader of this photo is so stupid as ever though. If I were you I would not upload any picture that would surely tarnish goverment department such as police and and defence force departments. 

It is understood the photography was taken during military training.
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Port Moresby North East MP backs Prime Minister O'Neill

November 24, 2014, 9:37 pm
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Port Moresby North East Member has thrown his support behind Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. In a paid advertisement in Post-Courier the Sports vice minister and North East  MP Labi Amaiu has come out publicly in support of Mr O’Neill.

Mr Amaiu’s comments come after news of PM being referred to the Ombudsman Commission. And many in the political circle who are aligned with the PM have claimed that this was politically motivated.

“In my capacity as Member for Port Moresby North East Electorate, I would like to pay my appreciation to Prime Minister Peer O’Neill for being transformational PM who is lead the way in ensuring thou country moves forward like never before,” Mr Amaiu said.

He said his electorate has received some of the biggest recent infrastructure development projects which includes the over head bridge, four land road running from the airport to Waigani,  four lane road from 9mile to Erima, 9mile to Gerehy, Baruni and Konedoby, the Duran Farm housing program and the redevelopment of the international airport.

“This Government through national and sub-national interventions is changing the nation as never before seen by any previous government. “I would like to inform the people of my electorate not to listen to the criticism from people who are politically motivated and aligned,” Mr Amaiu said.

He said he is with the help of the Prime Minister Peer O’Neill and the Lands and Housing Ministers they are working towards a proper settlement and expanded residential plan within his electorate. ‘In my short time as Member of Parliament, I cannot see how any of us elected members could be doing a better job than our current Prime Minister,” he said. PNGtoday/PostCourier
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O'Neill : Embrace The Government’s Move Towards Development

November 25, 2014, 2:04 am
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“Embrace our government’s move towards development and do not be afraid of change,” the Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, said at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Tabubil-Telefomin road development.

“Positive change brings opportunity for Papua New Guineans. “Our people must embrace change and development and your government will make sure these projects are delivered as we promised. “I will be back next year for the sealing of Kiunga to Tabubil road.

“The construction of the Tabubil-Telifomin-Oksapmin Road is also going ahead.” The total investment in the construction is 160 million Kina which the Prime Minister said will not only benefit the more than 40,000 residents of Telefomin, but also surrounding villages.

“Right now many people walk through the forest for days just to buy a bag of rice. This road will change your lives and make time for you to devote your time to other activities such as crops, small business and families,” he told local people at the ceremony. In his speech the Prime Minister warned the people to be wary of people who might seek to mislead or fool them, particularly when it comes to financial management.

“No ken lusim ol paulim tintin blo yu (Do not let people confuse you with what they are saying), changes and development are taking place in front of you,” he said. “Money belonging to the people in trust accounts will be released to the people especially in the areas of infrastructure, education, health and law and order.

“Our Government promotes accountability and transparency. “This includes the contracts of expensive consultants that will be looked at closely.” Road is going ahead as planned and the government through its historical 2015 budget of K16.19 billion will assist in the road construction.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill was accompanied on the visit by Finance Minister, James Marape. On arrival to greet the delegation was Works Minister, Francis Awasa; Culture & Tourism Minister, Boka Kondra; Telefomin MP, Solan Mirisim; Middle Fly MP, Roy Biyama; South Fly MP, Aide Ganasi; Western Province Governor, Ati Wobiro and Managing Director & CEO of OK Tedi Mining Limited, Nigel Parker.

The Prime Minister flew with the delegation from the Tabubil-Telefomin ceremony for the ground-breaking ceremony at Telefomin for the Tabubil-Telifomin-Oksapmin Road
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Taviri: Businesses can make a difference

November 25, 2014, 12:34 pm
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LOCAL businesses can make a difference to address gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea.

Chairperson of the Business Coalition for Women, Lesieli Taviri, said this yesterday at a breakfast meeting at Crowne Plaza in Port Moresby, hosted by the Papua New Guinea Coalition for Change.

The cost of gender-based violence to businesses is yet to be quantified in Papua New Guinea, according to Mrs Taviri.

Global research indicates that almost two-thirds of women affected by violence at home are employed in the formal economy and that violence directly impacts their performance and their potential at work.

Consequently, in a bid to address the impact of gender-based violence on Papua New Guinea businesses, the Business Coalition for Women yesterday circulated a model policy on ‘family and sexual violence’ which sets out workplace strategies to address it.

"The model policy was developed through an intensive process led by a partnership of Pacific Adventist University, who are with us today, and an expert team from the University of New South Wales," she said.

She said the coalition ensured that the proposal was well grounded in the Papua New Guinean context through discussions with selected focus groups representing employers and employees.

"A policy was then drafted and the human resource managers, including safety officers and general managers from the Business Coalition of Women membership, sat in this room few weeks ago and went through the draft clause by clause.

"The result of that worthy cause is the policy that you see before you today," Mrs Taviri said.

She said the coalition in the next few weeks will release information guidelines on the model policy. PNG Today/Post Courier
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'Grace' makers say film era is here

November 25, 2014, 5:23 pm
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A new television series titled 'Grace' is hoping to kick start a new era in PNG's history by bringing about the dawn of a PNG movie and film industry.

 In what has previously been an international business, the making of films and documentaries by Papua New Guinean directors and producers maybe soon at hand.

The creative team behind "Grace", say that their idea becoming a reality will give rise to a new breed of talented individuals who are in dire need for exposure that has been lacking.

Grace is the story of a young girl's journey from her village in the Highlands to the bright lights of Port Moresby, and the challenges she overcomes on the way to becoming a lawyer.

Director McPolly Koima says the story deals with local issues like gender inequality, violence against women and polygamy.
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PNG Parliament approves APEC PNG 2018 Co-ordination Authority

November 26, 2014, 12:11 pm
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PNG Parliament approves APEC PNG 2018
Co-ordination Authority
The National Parliament has approved the establishment of the APEC Papua New Guinea 2018 Co-ordination Authority.
In presenting the Bill to the Parliament, the Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, said hosting APEC is an opportunity for Papua New Guinea to demonstrate to the world the capabilities of the nation.
“Increasing our participation in APEC is important for Papua New Guinea to ensure our national perspective is heard as barriers to trade are reduced and economies become more integrated,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said.
“When we host APEC, Papua New Guinea will be responsible for guiding policy discussion and development on a range of substantive issue. “If the logistics for Papua New Guinea’s APEC events are not properly planned and implemented, policy outcomes will be undermined and our national reputation tarnished.
“APEC will require a whole-of-government approach to ensure the success of our hosting year from both a policy and logistics perspective. Papua New Guinea must demonstrate our capacity, as a growing economy, to host high level events and facilitate policy discussion.”
The Authority will be led by a Chief Executive Officer who will be responsible for delivering all logistical elements for up to 200 APEC meetings and events that will take place between now and the end of 2018. New Zealand has offered to provide a Chief Executive Officer with experience with APEC and hosting high-level events and discussions are now underway to facilitate this recruitment process.
The Prime Minister said work will begin in earnest with the APEC Authority having five months until the first high-level meeting to be held in Papua New Guinea. “The Policy Partnership on Women in the Economy, and the High Level Meeting on Human Capacity Building will bring around 500 delegates from each of APEC’s other 20 member economies to Port Moresby in May.
“Full APEC protocols and arrangements will be followed in preparing for this event that will cover delegate accommodation, meeting venues, hospitality and delegate safety and security.” A national government operations task-force comprised of senior departmental officials will provide oversight of the Chief Executive Officer and APEC Authority, while strong financial controls will be in place to ensure accountability.
The Minister responsible for Finance will establish an APEC PNG 2018 Supply and Tenders Board to ensure procurement can be undertaken quickly and efficiently so that the state can get the best value for money. The authority will be automatically wound up following the completion of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting in 2018.
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Somare moves to middle bench

November 27, 2014, 1:55 am
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Grand chief Sir Michael Somare and the father of the nation is moving to the middle benches.
The former Prime Minister dropped the bombshell in the Parliament House today announcing that by the next Parliament session (February 10th) he will move to the middle benches or the Opposition.
His move has sparked a thread of thousands commenting on facebook and left some politicians shocked.
Sir Michaels reason to move is believed to be over the K3 billions UBS loan.
However he gave a personal explanation on all issues that were being talked about in the press and social media.
He singled out the media issue of him stepping aside when he was referred to the Prosecutor and eventually tribunal.
Attempts to speak to Sir Michael after Parliament were unsuccessful has he was husked away to attend his court case.
This makes him the third MP to move out of government this week after Kandep MP Don Polye and the Governor for Eastern Highlands moved out.
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Medical Supplies and Equipment to be delivered to PNG following First Lady’s Fundraiser in the USA

November 27, 2014, 2:04 am
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Four containers of life-saving medical supplies and equipment will be delivered to Papua New Guinea next year following the successful First Ladies Luncheon attended by Ms Lynda Babao-O’Neill, and the generous support of ExxonMobil and PNG / LNG.
The luncheon that was held in Denver, the United States, on 5 November, raised funds to ship more than 4 million Kina (USD 1.6 Million) in medical supplies. The event was organized by global health non-profit, Project C.U.R.E, was funded by ExxonMobil PNG Limited for $100,000 USD, and it was the Tribal Foundation that brought its partners together to make the Luncheon a reality for the benefit of PNG.
At the fund raising event Ms Babao-O’Neill had the opportunity to discuss progress being made in the delivery of healthcare in the nation, and the challenges that have been experienced.
She said despite underinvestment in healthcare in the past, where infrastructure did not keep pace with a rising population, progress is now being made.
“The country now has clear priorities that include the provision of universal free healthcare,” she told the audience.
“This is important, because if our people are not healthy, the other elements in life diminish in importance.”
Ms Babao-O’Neill thanked ExxonMobil and Tribal Foundation and Project Cure in providing assessments and medical supplies throughout the country. “I would like express my most sincere gratitude for ExxonMobil and the company’s continuous support, particularly in empowering women in Papua New Guinea.”
The news of the medical shipment was provided by Mr Laurie S. Porter, the Events Manager at Project C.U.R.E. in Colorado who arranged the First Lady’s Luncheon. Mr Porter expressed his delight to participate in the program that will be appreciated by people around Papua New Guinea.
GT Bustin, President of the Tribal Foundation said, declared the event a great success.
"The word from our partners at Project C.U.R.E. Is that this is the most successful First Ladies Luncheon they have ever had,” Mr Bustin said.
“Ms Lynda Babao-O'Neill did an exceptional job of representing Papua New Guinea and the people of Colorado are still talking about how impressed they are with her genuine and kind disposition. I wish all of Papua New Guinea could have been there to witness the event. It was a proud moment for us all."
Ms Babao-O'Neill and Children's Hospital Colorado will identify the deliver site of one of the four containers. ExxonMobil & PNG/ LNG will identify the delivery site of the remaining three containers, while Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation will handle the logistics and delivery of the four containers.
There is a further chance that a fifth container could be delivered dependent upon the shipping costs for each container. The Papua New Guinea Tribal Foundation is working with local shipping and transport partners to facilitate this potential shipment.
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Chief Justice Injia sets up leadership Tribunal for Prime Minister Peter O'Neill

November 27, 2014, 12:24 pm
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Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia yesterday announced his decision to appoint the tribunal following a request from the Public Prosecutor on November 14. The leadership tribunal is to inquire into allegations of misconduct in office made against Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

It will be headed by a retired New Zealand judge Sir Peter Blanchard, who begins the inquiry on January 26 next year.

The allegations of misconduct in office are "that the Prime Minister failed to comply with administrative and financial processes, including the normal overseas borrowing process in the approval of a K3 billion loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland AG (Australia branch) to purchase shares in Oil Search Limited".

It was further alleged that the purchase of the shares was in the interest of Oil Search Limited and not the State.

Other members of the Blanchard Tribunal are retired Australian Federal Court judge John von Boussa and Justice Salatiel Lenalia.

Sir Salamo also announced an instrument formalising the tribunal appointment, its composition, the date, time and venue for the start of the inquiry, which are Monday, January 26, 2015, at 9.30am, Courtroom No 1 at the National Court building in Waigani.

Sir Salamo said the instrument also specifies that for the avoidance of doubt, pursuant to Section 142(6) of the Constitution, subject to which Section 28 of the Organic Law and Duties and Responsibilities is to be read, the question of suspension pending the inquiry will be determined by the tribunal in its discretion.

"The importance of the high office held by the PM O’Neill is the reason for the appointment of two imminent former judges of two developed common law jurisdictions and a senior Judge of the National and Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea," Sir Salamo said.
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Polye likely to become the next opposition leader.

November 27, 2014, 10:31 pm
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Kandep MP and THE  Party leader Don Polye is likely to become the Opposition Leader because he has the highest number of MPs.

Polye and his four THE Party MPs met yesterday after Parliament adjourned to February, before meeting Speaker Theo Zurenuoc.
Zurenuoc is reported to have told Polye that there was nothing stopping him from becoming Opposition leader because he had the numbers.
Opposition Leader Belden Namah, who is the lone PNG Party MP, was absent from parliament yesterday.
The other Opposition MPs are Bulolo MP Sam Basil of the Pangu Pati, and Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat of the Melanesian Liberal Party.
Polye last week moved to the Opposition and was joined by Kikori MP Mark Maipakai, Rai Coast MP James Gau, Lagaip-Porgera MP Nixon Mangape and Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso.
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Deported American Missionaries want investigation

November 28, 2014, 6:04 pm
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Three American missionaries who have been reportedly deported have called for an independent and transparent investigation into the issues surrounding the alleged deportation order signed by PNG Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato.

The Americans are Julie Lutz, missionary since 1986, Anton Lutz, missionary since 2004 and Reverend Jeffery Horn, missionary since 2013.  They are missionaries of the USA based Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS), working in PNG since 1991 under a group called Concordia Lutheran Professional Mission Services (CLPMS).

In a press release by the Concordia Lutheran Professional Mission Services, they said they have not been served any notice of deportation, visa cancellation or related documents from the Department of Immigration and Foreign Affairs.  Nor have they been officially informed of the nature of the complaints or advised of the alleged breaches of PNG Laws. The missionaries said they have not been given the opportunity to respond.

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod has been working with the people of Enga since 1948 and many of the important institutions in Enga are part of their legacy as is the Gutnius Lutheran Church. The GLC became an independent church body from the LCMS in the 1970s.

Various community members and leaders in the Maramuni LLG and and the Yakumane community in Enga Province reported they were devastated to hear of this deportation report and queried why the Government of PNG wants Mr Lutz to halt his job when the government hasn’t brought the needed services in their area.

“There are still projects to be carried out in our remote area and why send the missionaries away? Who else will come and help us?” asked Councilor of Penale (Maramuni Ward 12), Mr James Tasaput.

Mr Anton Lutz noted that he was not speaking officially from his organization but agreed with Mr Tasaput and expressed sadness to the community he had been assigned to.

“We (missionaries) we will go back to the comforts of America but ‘Sori tru’ to the communities living along the Enga and Sepik borders who will miss our services and will not see the change they want to see.” Said Mr Lutz.

Mr Lutz said this while referring to his ministry of airstrip construction project and supplying medicine into the area, even helping sick patients travel out to major hospitals.

Mr Lutz studied theology at school but is now a jack of all trade who uses his various skills in mechanics and problem solving to help the hospital and wider community.  His late father Dr Steve Lutz served in Enga as a missionary surgeon for more than twenty three years until his death.  Anton came with his family in 1986 then returned in 2004 as a fulltime missionary.

Mr Lutz has been involved in HIV education and awareness, speaks about integrity and choice in schools and was also one of the people who stepped forward to help bury the body of murder victim late Kepari Leniata, accused of sorcery, who was brutally attacked and burnt alive.

As indicated in the National Newspaper, November 21, the missionary deportation saga follows a long dispute in the Gutnius Lutheran Church hierarchy between one time Head Bishop David Piso and his former Deputy Nickodemus Aiyane.

According to church pastors, the Supreme Court order of March 2014 upheld the National Court Order of 2010 which reinstated Mr Piso after concerned pastors excommunicated him, but does not necessarily mandate that Piso should stay in power for the rest of his life.  The constitution of the church gives a bishop a four year term.  Bishop Piso’s term of office expired in June 2014.

The GLC Constitution governs the Gutnius Lutheran Church and stipulates that the GLC must come together and hold a single conference at which the legitimate delegates vote in a free and fair way for the leaders of their choice.

According to media reports at the time, the church election was staged in late June 2014 but was marred by armed policemen who barricaded the area discouraging hundreds of pastors and delegates from the GLC’s congregations who may otherwise have voted against Mr Piso.  The matter is before the National Court.

When asked, Mr Lutz said he was aware of the issue and that he maintained his neutrality in matters of politics.  “I want to continue to help the remote and underprivileged people groups and Rev Horn wants to continue teaching the Word of God at Timothy Lutheran Seminary at Birip; we are not here to play politics.”  He said.

Community representatives are frustrated that such church politics would result in the alleged deportation of the missionaries and hope the investigation team brings copies of all these alleged reports to the communities of Enga so that the truth will be known.  PNG Today / Post Courier
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PNG LNG Project Transfers Ownership of Port Moresby Training Facility to Government

November 29, 2014, 1:28 pm
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ExxonMobil PNG Limited, the operator of the PNG LNG Project, has completed the transfer of
ownership of the Port Moresby Construction Technical Facility (POMCTF) to the Papua New
Guinea government for continued training and education programs for citizens.
ExxonMobil PNG Limited Managing Director Peter Graham said he was encouraged by the
government’s commitment to continue providing training at the facility.
“I am thrilled to the government is going to continue to use these facilities for vocational training,
as the PNG LNG Project has done over the past four years,” he said.
With an original construction cost of around US$30 million, the facilities include 12 classrooms,
two workshops, a fully equipped kitchen and mess hall, four ablution blocks, 69 furnished
bedrooms, a recreational room, fuel tank, electrical power facilities and potable water tanks.
The Juni Construction Training Facility and Kobalu camp, similar facilities located in Hela
Province, were transferred in June to the Hela Provincial Government.
“Since construction of the PNG LNG Project started, we have focused on developing Papua New
Guineans to participate in the Project workforce,” Mr Graham said. “Much of the training for the
project has taken place at the Port Moresby Construction Training Facility, which we established
in 2010. Some 3,000 Papua New Guineans graduated from the facility with new skills and
capabilities as a result of the training.”
In accepting the facility, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said the people of Papua New Guinea will
benefit from the modern facilities for many years to come.
“Investing in education is a key priority for the government,” he said. “We will ensure these
facilities continue to offer skills training to internationally recognised standards that are relevant to
industry needs.”
The PNG LNG Project has invested heavily in the training and development of the local
workforce with the delivery of more than 2.17 million training hours through some 13,000
courses. More than 10,000 Papua New Guineans have been trained across the project, receiving
qualifications in construction, transport services, office administration, computer skills, safety and
maintenance.
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PNG ranked 11 on the Rugby League World Ranking

November 29, 2014, 11:34 pm
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Latest World Rankings Announced
Papua New Guinea continues to fall in its ranking in the Rugby League Word Ranking. PNG was ranked 8th after the 2013 World Cup but now it has dropped to 11th positions. Countries like Fiji, Samoa, France have improved in their ranking.  The drop in ranking means PNG now has to play qualifiers  to qualify for  Rugby League World Cup  .

RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD RANKINGS (Previous ranking in brackets)

1) Australia (1)

2) New Zealand (2)

3) England (3)

4) Samoa (7)

5) France (4)

6) Fiji (5)

7) Ireland (10)

8) Scotland (11)

9) Wales (6)

10) USA (9)

11) PNG (8)

12) Italy (12)

13) Serbia (17)

14) Canada (16)

15) Russia (14)

16) Tonga (13)

17) Cook Islands (15)

18) Germany (18)

19) Norway (19)

20) Ukraine (20)

21) Lebanon (21)

22) Belgium (22)

23) Greece (26)

24) Malta (23)

25) Netherlands (25)

26) Denmark (27)

27) Jamaica (24)

28) Spain (28)

29) Czech Republic (30)

30) Sweden (32)

31) South Africa (29)

32) Hungary (33)

33) Latvia (31)

34) Morocco (34)
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Australian army to continue help PNG

November 30, 2014, 12:38 pm
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THE Australia Defence Force will continue to assist its counterpart the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in terms of funding and capacity building.

This was revealed on Friday at the commissioning of the new PNGDF’s directorate of health building and facilities at the Murray Barracks headquarters.

The building and facilities are worth more than K1.2 million, fully funded by the Australia Defence Force under the PNG-ADF Defence Cooperation Program which would provide better health services for the PNGDF servicemen and women.

According to Chief of Staff Colonel Mark Goina, the friendship between ADF and PNGDF had been maintained and strengthened since World War II.

"Through this partnership the people of Australia and the government has been providing continuous aid through various sectors for the development of this country," he said.

He said the office of directorate health service was so old it was about to fall over.

"We don’t have any money to build a new one so the ADF saw the need and fully funded the building, all the furniture and the necessary medical equipment," Col Goina said.

The colonel stated that the PNGDF had included some of its plans with the Health Department to provide better health services for its soldiers as well as the surrounding community.
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Aunt of N Korean leader died after husband’s execution

November 30, 2014, 3:53 pm
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North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un
The aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un suffered a fatal stroke while she was on the phone with him, arguing about her husband’s execution, according to a defector from the secretive nation.

Kim Kyung Hee was the sister of Kim Jong Il, the North Korean leader who died three years ago and left his son in power.

Her husband, Jang Song Thaek, was executed in December, shocking many observers around the world.

Jang, the younger leader’s uncle by marriage, was considered instrumental in his rise to power.

Before his execution, he was described as the second-most powerful figure in North Korea.

But the young leader turned his back on Jang in spectacular fashion late last year, having him executed on charges that he tried to overthrow the government.

“In the seething period of the effort for building a thriving country last year, we took the resolute measure of removing the factionalists,” the North Korean leader said in a New Year’s address shortly after the execution.

Days after the execution, Jang’s wife suffered her third stroke, according to Kang Myung-do, a defector who was son-in-law to North Korea’s ex-Prime Minister, Kang Sun San.

She was on the phone with the North Korean leader when she suffered the stroke, Kang said. She was hospitalized and later died.

CNN could not independently confirm the defector’s information.

The death was not announced because she died a few days after her husband and the government did not want people to link her death to his, according to the defector.

Korean media have reported that she committed suicide five days after her husband’s execution.

CNN
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Heavily armed men attack Nadzab Airport

November 30, 2014, 8:58 pm
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A group of heavily armed men has attacked Nadzab Airport in Lae, Morobe Province this morning. The harmed men forcefully enter the e Air Niugini office  and destroyed all the boarding pass machines and computers.

According to  Guard Dog Security officer who was on duty at the airport at the time of the hold-up confirmed the attack.

Lae Air Niugini Lae Branch Manager has advised that he is presently on his way to the airport where he will gather more details for disclosure to the general public.

Presently, guards and travelers at the Airport have called in, expressing their concerns at what has become a chaotic situation at the Nadzab terminal as passengers from all over the country are left stranded at a terminal that is 45 minutes away from the nearest town of Lae.


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